Is my tank ready for a pair of pups?

[hereticlosmorte]

Filter bacteria BEGINS to die off within 1 hour without flow.

You need to make sure that the heaters and filters do not need to be turned off for water changes as this will always happen again. Surely in a 6X2X2 you can put the heaters at an angle of 45 degrees near the bottom.

I do not understand why the filters need to go off at all but do not have time to re-read - again adapt the system to allow proper maintenance.

I have bought a HYDOR inline heater that goes in the cannister return pipe to help out with heat incase I need to turn off my sump for maintenance.

You and your rays are not having a brilliant time of this...keep your chin up!

tell me about it, lol.
the reason i have to shut off my filter is that it is setup so that the output is roughly 4 inches from the water line, so when i WC, the water line goes below that, and i'm told to not have it running unless both input and output are underwater.

if i'm wrong, plz correct me, but i don't know if it would be a good idea to use a longer tube to put the output down near the bottom of the tank, would stir up the sand way too much.

 

[Gshock]

tell me about it, lol.
the reason i have to shut off my filter is that it is setup so that the output is roughly 4 inches from the water line, so when i WC, the water line goes below that, and i'm told to not have it running unless both input and output are underwater.

if i'm wrong, plz correct me, but i don't know if it would be a good idea to use a longer tube to put the output down near the bottom of the tank, would stir up the sand way too much.

Theres no problem running the output above water. My outputs are always above water to create more surface agitation.

 

[waymoz]

Another question regarding my tank set up, currently have an Eheim Jager 300W heating a 6x2x2, it's winter here and it's probably about 16 degrees. I noticed my heater light is always staying on, but thermometer indicates it's doing it's job of holding the set temperature. Maybe it's coincidence, but i noticed this after I put a heater guard on it.

Would that mean my heater is struggling to heat the water? Should I get another heater?

 

[PeteLockwood]

I always go with 2 heaters for a 6' tank. If the one you have is on a lot there's the chance for it to stick on and d'ain't good.

 

[waymoz]

I always go with 2 heaters for a 6' tank. If the one you have is on a lot there's the chance for it to stick on and d'ain't good.

Oh, just realised I didn't give much info, it's set to 28 degrees celcius, so while I don't have the rays yet might try it without the heater guard, and then try it at a lower temperature setting. I've also got on order another jager 300W and a differently designed heater guard.

I don't think the heater is 'sticking on' because if that were the case my water would be boiling? I kept a close eye on the temperature readings and there's no swings or drops or increases in temperature, just seems it's struggling to stay at the set temperature.

Also water test update tomorrow and pictures should be up too. Cabinet doors are finished painting and drying.

 

[PeteLockwood]

I don't think the heater is 'sticking on'

I didn't say it was, I said the more a heater is on the more likely it is to stick on. And yes, if that happens your water will get boiling. You're always better off with a pair of lower powered heaters than a single heater, especially one that's struggling.

 

[Just Toby]

Totally agree with the post above. Personally on a 6X2X2 I would look for 2 200w or 300w heaters of the best quality you can afford. Yes use heater guards.

 

[waymoz]

Okay, did another water test today, getting higher ammonia readings, but nitrites and nitrates are the same. thoughts?

5/16/10
Ammonia - 0.50ppm
Nitrites - 0ppm
Nitrates - 2.5ppm

Does this mean my cycle is in it's early stages?

Also when I'm running two heaters, should I run them side by side or on opposite ends of the tank?

And, finally... a couple dodgy cell phone pics of my tank.

filling it up

with the doors on

stained and varnished it myself

and some stats:
tank is roughly 180g/680L
filtration is Eheim Classic 2260
heated by 2 Eheim Jager 300W heaters (one on the way)

i put plain black aquarium background over the foam beneath the tank, and behind the tank. Might consider covering the sides of the tank as well and just have the front open. Currently stocking a yellow severum and five random peacocks, which will probably go when my motoro pups go in.

 

[Just Toby]

Nice looking tank!

I would put one heater at each end (with heater guards)

One other option would be to perhaps buy an eheim thermofilter - these heat as well as filter and the heater is in the filter. (they do not seem that popular but I expect this to be due to the cost)

The reason I mention this is that you could benefit from an additional cannister filter which will help you when it comes time to cleaning the filters out (always using tank water) as you can clean them out at different intervals to help protect the bacteria (i.e. one every 3 months?)

I think you are getting ammonia still as you are just waiting for the cycle to complete...keep an eye on the nitrite and the spike should start soon.

 

[waymoz]

Nice looking tank!

I would put one heater at each end (with heater guards)

One other option would be to perhaps buy an eheim thermofilter - these heat as well as filter and the heater is in the filter. (they do not seem that popular but I expect this to be due to the cost)

The reason I mention this is that you could benefit from an additional cannister filter which will help you when it comes time to cleaning the filters out (always using tank water) as you can clean them out at different intervals to help protect the bacteria (i.e. one every 3 months?)

I think you are getting ammonia still as you are just waiting for the cycle to complete...keep an eye on the nitrite and the spike should start soon.

Cool as! I'll have to check out this filter you speak of, I was considering getting another smaller canister filter, overfiltration is always a good idea yes?

You can imagine my excitement and how keen I am to get them as rays are pretty rare in Australia. I'm hoping to get some babies when they grow up too.